Dear Family,
I have decided that I m going to learn how to do this so I am not afraid of trying to find out what is happening to our family and look at all your cool pictures. That is my next step is to figure out how to put pictures on, not that I have that many. But as boring as a letter is without pictures, you'll just have to wait til next time. Update on those of us here. Isaac finished football today. The game was with Alta and we won't mention the score, but they improved in the second half. He'll find something to occupy his after school time I am sure. Doubt that it will be homework, but we can keep hoping. Actually, his grades aren't that bad for the load he has had. He might fail seminary, but that is the only things. His dreams still consist of a motorcycle and watching himself drive off (fast) in the sunset or up a hill or over a sand dune. Dream on. Dad ties flies, goes fishing, or mostly watches Hannity and Coombs. What will he do after the election? Be sure to vote and remember the early Americans and what the Revolutionary war was fought for and those founding fathers' dreams of America. Sometimes I think that the big and spacious building is next door. It feels like it anyway with so many people throwing out values and common sense. Okay, let's turn off those guys and continue. Me, the musical is over, thanks to all who came, that was very nice of you. The visiting teaching enrichment is over, and thank you Catherine for all your late night help. Now it is just back to a normal (whatever that is) routine.
Here are things Dad and I really like: Your coming to visit whenever it is; inviting us to programs, games, and other special events; Sunday dinners; when you come and help in the yard and play; pictures; thank you notes or any letters; and lots more and it all has to do with you, our family.
Some things to look forward to: Thanksgiving will be on thanksgiving, Nov. 27. Those who can come let us know and those who can't can come , come on Friday. We will have left overs and play. Then eat some pie. In December, Aaron graduates on Dec. 5. We will be going back to cheer him on. On Dec. 13 is the Jon Schmidt Concert. Those who have spoken for tickets are Miriam and Jordan, Hyrum and Jenna, Dad and Mom, and I have four left. Gingerbread houses will be on the Saturday afternoon (around 3:00 p.m.) and each child should bring their own house or train or bus or whatever to decorate. This seemed to work well last time. We will provide the candy and frosting and anything else to make it interesting. Most of you have your Christmas Eve traditions now, so we will just come visit you on Christmas. We might be going during the break to do something with Isaac and anyone else who wants to join us. Probably snowmobiling up at Yellowstone. (Okay, that brings back memories, but we have to create some for Isaac.) If there is snow we will organize a sledding party and try to have some fun. If there are other things you would like to host or do let us know and we will schedule them in.
Jordan is having a baptism tomorrow. Wayne and Donna are being baptized. Beth, the other one, has moved and is finishing the lessons there. He has admonished us to make sure our food storage is intact. Also pack one bag with duct tape, scissors, pocket knife, matches, plastic bags, etc. rope, anything that could help out that way. We often forget the things that make all the difference. Let conference messages be our guiding post this next six months. FHE can always be an adaptation of a talk. We need to burn it into the hearts of our children that they must follow the prophet no matter what. The very best thing you can do is to teach your children to pray, to love the Saviour and to choose the right. It is a mad, mad world out there and will become less safe as these next few years unfold. Stay close as a family and spend time with each of your children. Love them and teach them. There will be less problems in the future if you teach them the gospel now. That takes time and effort but it is worth every sleepless moment. We love you and love what you are doing. We love your children and are so thankful for you. We pray for each of you every day. Stay happy and as this festive season approaches, may we be filled up with giving thanks. "Count your many blessings , name them one by one. And it will surprise you what the Lord has done."
Love you, Mom and Dad
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Friday, October 31, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Live from American Fork!
So, it being my turn to write our entry I have some kudos and gratitude to give out.
Thank you to Alicia, Travis and Family for making it a great conference weekend for us. We sure had a great time and the accomodations were awesome!
Thank you to Mom Pitt and who ever else watched our kids so I could go down to my Grandma's in SLC. It was good to see my Whitchurch family especially my Grandma. And thank you as well for helping us make Rebekah's birthday a memorable one!
Mostly though I want to give my kudos (great job) and gratitude to my wonderful husband. Ryan has been so supportive to me and the kids in all we do. He always has our best interest in mind and has been a real trouper in getting to be with the kids a lot more on the evening nights when I have to be gone for YW or dance. I am forever grateful that we met so long ago in the summer of 1994.
Well, September was full of fun and birthdays for us as I know it was for most all of you. We had fun celebrating Matthias' first birthday as I already posted and then a couple of days later Ryan and I had a great date out some friends of ours to celebrate Ryan's birthday. (A BIG thank you to Hyrum and Jenna for watching our kids that night!) In between the Matthias' and Ryan's birthdays, Ryan and I got to run a relay marathon with a couple of our friends and their brother. It was so much fun! We both really like to run, but it was real cool to do it in a relay and be on a team. I think the next race I am shooting for is another half-marathon some time the end of next summer.
The kids are all thriving and doing well. We just had parent teacher conferences and one of our children's teachers said "I wish the whole school was full of Pitts!" and I replied back that he could fill a couple of classrooms full of them. Anyway we are grateful are kids are having a generally positive experience in their education. I grateful I am to educators who value the individuality of each child in the classroom and looks for ways to magnify their great spirits.
Our soccer season ended last Saturday. Both Joshua and Lydia played this year and did a great job. Rebekah took the year off. She is loving her dance class and I think her teacher too. She really is an amazing dancer and it is so fun to watch her move so gracefully. Lydia is enjoying dance, but keeps asking me when she gets to go to gymnastics. Sarah is loving dance and pre-school and every day she wakes up saying is it "dance day or pre-school day?"
Our lives are full and then some, which has made me grateful for the quiet (or not so quiet) moments of the day where I get focus on just playing with kids or reading stories or just talking to Rebekah. I find that when I recognize these moments of my life that I really have nothing but gratitude to give to my Heavenly Father. What more could I ask for than a loving family, a home to raise them in and the gospel to share with them!
We hope you all know how very much we love all of you near and far. You are always in our prayers and our thoughts. Have a great October and a very spooky Halloween!
Love the Pitt clan in AF
Thank you to Alicia, Travis and Family for making it a great conference weekend for us. We sure had a great time and the accomodations were awesome!
Thank you to Mom Pitt and who ever else watched our kids so I could go down to my Grandma's in SLC. It was good to see my Whitchurch family especially my Grandma. And thank you as well for helping us make Rebekah's birthday a memorable one!
Mostly though I want to give my kudos (great job) and gratitude to my wonderful husband. Ryan has been so supportive to me and the kids in all we do. He always has our best interest in mind and has been a real trouper in getting to be with the kids a lot more on the evening nights when I have to be gone for YW or dance. I am forever grateful that we met so long ago in the summer of 1994.
Well, September was full of fun and birthdays for us as I know it was for most all of you. We had fun celebrating Matthias' first birthday as I already posted and then a couple of days later Ryan and I had a great date out some friends of ours to celebrate Ryan's birthday. (A BIG thank you to Hyrum and Jenna for watching our kids that night!) In between the Matthias' and Ryan's birthdays, Ryan and I got to run a relay marathon with a couple of our friends and their brother. It was so much fun! We both really like to run, but it was real cool to do it in a relay and be on a team. I think the next race I am shooting for is another half-marathon some time the end of next summer.
The kids are all thriving and doing well. We just had parent teacher conferences and one of our children's teachers said "I wish the whole school was full of Pitts!" and I replied back that he could fill a couple of classrooms full of them. Anyway we are grateful are kids are having a generally positive experience in their education. I grateful I am to educators who value the individuality of each child in the classroom and looks for ways to magnify their great spirits.
Our soccer season ended last Saturday. Both Joshua and Lydia played this year and did a great job. Rebekah took the year off. She is loving her dance class and I think her teacher too. She really is an amazing dancer and it is so fun to watch her move so gracefully. Lydia is enjoying dance, but keeps asking me when she gets to go to gymnastics. Sarah is loving dance and pre-school and every day she wakes up saying is it "dance day or pre-school day?"
Our lives are full and then some, which has made me grateful for the quiet (or not so quiet) moments of the day where I get focus on just playing with kids or reading stories or just talking to Rebekah. I find that when I recognize these moments of my life that I really have nothing but gratitude to give to my Heavenly Father. What more could I ask for than a loving family, a home to raise them in and the gospel to share with them!
We hope you all know how very much we love all of you near and far. You are always in our prayers and our thoughts. Have a great October and a very spooky Halloween!
Love the Pitt clan in AF
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
I am now a Blogger!
So it has taken me almost a year to figure this out. Well, actually it just took a call to Ryan, but Jenny and I are officially on the blog site. There is a lot we could write about, but the most exciting thing that has happened in our lives lately has been our trip to Italy. It has been a month now since we left. We planned the trip for over three years, and I cannot believe how fast it came and how fast it went. We had the most amazing time. We started out in Venice where, as you all know, the streets are not streets but canals. You know how they say the city is on the water. Well, when we were there, they were definitely right. We got there just as a massive rain storm hit and flooded the main square. Water was up past our ankles. It was a crazy experience. We then went to Pisa where we participated in a, Mass that was held in a beautiful cathedral right next to the leaning tower. It was all in Italian, but we felt the spirit of those priests who had given their lives to serve God. We left Pisa and traveled to Cinque Terra. Cinque Terra is a region along the Mediterranean Sea made up of five cities joined together by hiking trails. This place was Italy at it's finest. The pace was slow, the people were nice, and the views were breathtaking. All of the cities are set into the mountainside overlooking the sea. The surrounding areas are made up of terraced grape and lemon tree vineyards. Dad would have loved to see their jet black soil. No wonder they can grow anything over there. We then went to Florence. The city of the Renaissance.
The highlight of this city was mixed for Jenny and me. Jenny would say it was the Ufizi gallery, an amazing collection of the most remarkable paintings of the Renaissance period. Or, she might say it was the Academia where we saw the David statue by Michelangelo. I, on the other hand, would say the highlight of that city was renting a scooter and cruising around the town. Scooter drivers are crazy in Florence and, besides the convenience of getting around the town, driving with those crazy drivers was awesome. Actually the real highlight of Florence for both of us was the gelato (Italian ice cream) I think we had gelato at least five times a day in Florence.
We then traveled to Voltera. Voltera is a castle town set in the heart of Tuscany.
It was as if we were back in time. The roads were cobble stone and narrow. The shops were quaint. The people didn't speak English, and the food was unbelievable.
The best part about Voltera was driving through the countryside to get there. We arrived just before dark and the city was all lit up. It was as if we were driving up to a medieval castle.We went from Voltera down to Rome. We finished our trip with two days in Rome. Rome is unbelievable. It is ancient city meets big city. We ate in great squares and saw amazing buildings. We saw the Coliseum, the Pantheon
and the Vatican. We listened to an Italian opera in St. Mary's Cathedral. There was so much to see and do in Rome. I have to say that our entire trip turned out perfect. Our planes were on 
time, our luggage got there in one piece, our GPS lead us to every place we needed to go; and, for the most part, the weather was great. I must say that the best part of the trip for me was just simply being with Jenny. She is so much fun to be with. We have been married now ten years, and every year gets better and better. I absolutely love being with her, and going to Italy together was amazing. We will blog again soon. Love Jason, Jenny and Kids
Monday, October 13, 2008
P-TOWN
Well family my in-laws happened to run across our family blog and reminded us that we hadn't written in quite some time. I do apologize for that and submit that we will do better. Just to fill you in on the most important news....are you ready for it....we got a Bosch mixer. I know very exciting huh. So ok that isn't the most exciting news however its amazing was how priorities change once you get married. When i was single i only invested in music, shoes, and an ocasionaly arby's melt. Now that I am married i am constantly searching online for nice comforters, curtains, and kitchen appliances.
So on to the real important and exciting stuff. For those of you that don't know, Jenna and I are both taking full loads here at school. Jenna is taking 18 credits, and I am with 17.5. We both work, I as a TA for the framing class and the electrical class and Jenna works in the testing center. We both involved with our respective majors acting in various leadership roles in our clubs. I just found out that I got chosen for the Design Build competition team so I will be putting in a lot of time for that. We will be going to Reno next semester to compete and probably to Vegas for a convention. We were called as the ward greeters in our ward and are in charge of the program each week. Last week we failed miserably in our duties since they were reorganizing the bishopric and didn't happen to tell us. We just put down "Testimonies" for the program like any normal fast sunday but were suprised when no testimonies were given. Oh well, we tried. Other than that we frequent the Lavell Edwards Stadium every home football game and enjoy our second row seats, watch an ocasional movie, and check the paper for coupons and specials. Jenna also manages through all this to always cook a great meal and she has a place looking pretty sweet. (you are all welcome to come over whenever you want) Needless to say you now know why I am not going to re-read and edit this after I get done...I simply do not have the time.
Well thats about it. It was really good to see some of you over conference weekend and really fun to come to some of the many soccer games that happen each week. We love you all and hope you all well.
WITH A LOT OF LOVE,
HYRUM & JENNA
So on to the real important and exciting stuff. For those of you that don't know, Jenna and I are both taking full loads here at school. Jenna is taking 18 credits, and I am with 17.5. We both work, I as a TA for the framing class and the electrical class and Jenna works in the testing center. We both involved with our respective majors acting in various leadership roles in our clubs. I just found out that I got chosen for the Design Build competition team so I will be putting in a lot of time for that. We will be going to Reno next semester to compete and probably to Vegas for a convention. We were called as the ward greeters in our ward and are in charge of the program each week. Last week we failed miserably in our duties since they were reorganizing the bishopric and didn't happen to tell us. We just put down "Testimonies" for the program like any normal fast sunday but were suprised when no testimonies were given. Oh well, we tried. Other than that we frequent the Lavell Edwards Stadium every home football game and enjoy our second row seats, watch an ocasional movie, and check the paper for coupons and specials. Jenna also manages through all this to always cook a great meal and she has a place looking pretty sweet. (you are all welcome to come over whenever you want) Needless to say you now know why I am not going to re-read and edit this after I get done...I simply do not have the time.
Well thats about it. It was really good to see some of you over conference weekend and really fun to come to some of the many soccer games that happen each week. We love you all and hope you all well.
WITH A LOT OF LOVE,
HYRUM & JENNA
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Matthias Turns One!
Okay, so we're a bit late with this one. Just wanted to share some photos of Ty turning one. He had a great day. Lots o
f presents, balloons and a yummy Elmo cake that I had a lot of fun making. The professional shots are ones my friend Julia took. Anyway, hope you are all well and we are so looking forward to conference! Enjoyps: I don't know why the pictures look so off. Still working on that.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
The Browns update again
Do you all love that I write in like once a week, oh well I guess Im a true blogger anyway. I had to show you all the new pictures, Jack on his first day of school and Jacks first soccer game. I love that school has started, and the weather is getting cooler, you all know that I love the autumn time and Halloween. We are off to Disneyland in less than a week and the kids are so excited. Im sure I will have plenty of pictures next time too. Have a good week all
Sunday, September 7, 2008
AF Happenings
August started out with a fun date at USANA ampitheater where we saw distinguished country singer Martina McBride perform. Tickets to see the show were actually a birthday gift to Jen this past May. We had a great time though and very much enjoyed seeing her perform and listening to her great songs (and she has many). I, myself, am not much of a country genre fan, BUT, there are a few country singers I really do like and she is one of them. Mainly because her songs keep that country "twang" to a minimum and the lyrics are full of God, faith, hope, and love. Anyway...it was good to get out and we thank Mom and Dad for watching the kids while we had that fun evening.
Soccer started up for Lydia and Joshua during August. They are both quite the stars on their teams and do a good job. They are fun to watch and we're grateful they get to use their talents. (Rebekah is a good player too, but opted out this year due to everything else she's involved in). Dance started up too...Jen continues to teach for a few hours once a week and Rebekah and Lydia are in her classes which is fun. Joshua started scouts officially and is working on his Wolf badge; Rebekah continues taking piano lessons; Sarah has a blast at both pre-school and a dance class of her own; and all the kids have great core teachers this year for which we are grateful. Matthias is officially walking all over the place and has FINALLY cut four teeth. He continues to be a joy for all of us. All in all, the kids stay busy though we have tried not to overschedule them as we've been directed by our general authorities :) Family time is still the funnest time and we love Monday nights and Jen and I love to see the kids enjoy playing together at least once a week as we have a "family day" and give the friends a break.
Our garden started really producing this past month and I think the kids are officially "squashed" out. We have so much squash that we've been freezing it to use during the winter. The beans have been yummy and our tomaotes are finally turning red. It's been a great little harvest and even the kids have looked forward to watering the garden and picking off the goods for us to intergrate into our meals. Thanks again to Dad for his help in getting it up and going.
While Jen, Rebekah, and the two youngest stayed home from the Bear Lake excursion, Joshua, Lydia and I really had a great time. We want to thank all of those who were there who gave of their time, their food, and their water-expertise in helping us have an enjoyable couple of days. You guys are great!
On a sad and somber note, we had quite a tragedy hit our neighborhood this past week. One of the families I home teach--the dad--was turned over to the authorities for molesting his 5-year old daughter. As sick as that is, it's also very sad and heartbreaking to see the ripple effects within the family. The mom and the seven or so kids are hanging in there and we're all praying for them as much as we can. As the word got out and the kids found out, we had to deal with the subject--and tried hard to explain things at a level that was appropriate. This was challenging and not very fun, but I think we did OK and they are praying for the family as well.
Well, before ending this post, Jen and I just want to say how grateful we are to a loving Heavenly Father who keeps us going even when we're stressed and life is full of challenges. We've come to understand that when we are weak, then we truly are strong. Relying on Heavenly Father and having faith in Christ is the only way to live this life and to feel the joy and happiness that's available to feel. As we seek inspiration in our callings and in our conversations and dealings with our kids, we know we'll be OK if we're trying to live right.
Talk to you all soon!
PS: I've started my own blog just out of a desire to write and also out of a desire to heed the suggestion of Elder Ballard :) There aren't a lot of entries yet and I don't post that often, but you can take a look if you're so inclined...
thoughts...
Dear Family,
Probably, when you see that I have written something, you don't want to read it because it is always so preachy. I guess once a parent, always a parent, always trying to teach when you can and do all you can to fill that responsibility. Dad and I don't lead a very exciting life, full of tales to tell you all, but you knew that already. I will say that there have been some things on my mind, and part of the reason I haven't written for awhile, is I get carried away. You are all wonderful and we love you very much. You and your families bring us much joy. We love watching the kids grow and you grow as parents in your abilities and understanding.
The last while I have thought about the big and spacious building. For as long as I can remember, I have termed it "the world" or the bad stuff that is out there, but it seemed a little ways off, especially when I read the story in the Book Of Mormon. People pointing fingers, laughing at our ways, scoffing at how we dress or talk or the goals we have. Lately I have realized, that ole' big spacious building might not be so far away as we would like it to be. In fact some of those people in the building may be some that go to church but during the week they laugh at us, point their fingers or see nothing wrong in looking and talking like the world. The brethren have said that it is becoming harder and harder to tell the saints from the world because we are beginning to blend in a bit too much. When we go to the temple and they turn on the lights a little more towards the end, I think it is symbolic that we are asked to walk a higher path, one that sets us apart from the world. The world slides in so carefully. We don't even notice sometimes how quietly little things begin to change because we don't pay close attention or it becomes the "in" thing.
Each week at the sacrament table we promise to keep the commandments. Not conveniently, "but always remember Him and keep His commandments which He has given them." It talks about exactness in keeping the commandments, and I see in my own life, if I am not careful, I begin to think something is not as bad as it used to be, because of .....there really aren't any excuses. I think we have to be willing to be complete in our desire to do the right thing even if it is hard. I ask myself some questions often and when totally honest some of the answers aren't what they ought to be. Some of these questions are, What does my heart really desire--really deep down? What is most important to me? What am I willing to do to make sure those important things come to pass? Are the things most important in line with the teachings of the Savior? Is Christ and His teachings really first in my life? Do my children know by what they see, hear, and participate in that Christ is the center of our family? Is my house built upon the rock, or is the foundation starting to get sandy? I think of the scripture included in the Young Women's theme, I will stand as a witness at all times, and in all things, and in all places and as I review my day I wonder if I have done that. All of us can work on becoming exact in keeping the commandments, being complete and full of integrity to ourselves and to others.
Really, we want no empty chairs at our table, including ours. As I stated before we love you so very much and we recognize all the good you are doing. You are serving your families, in your wards and stakes, and your communities. You are doing so many good things. Maybe this little rendition is just for me. Love one another and stay true to the faith. We will always love you. Mom and Dad
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Probably, when you see that I have written something, you don't want to read it because it is always so preachy. I guess once a parent, always a parent, always trying to teach when you can and do all you can to fill that responsibility. Dad and I don't lead a very exciting life, full of tales to tell you all, but you knew that already. I will say that there have been some things on my mind, and part of the reason I haven't written for awhile, is I get carried away. You are all wonderful and we love you very much. You and your families bring us much joy. We love watching the kids grow and you grow as parents in your abilities and understanding.
The last while I have thought about the big and spacious building. For as long as I can remember, I have termed it "the world" or the bad stuff that is out there, but it seemed a little ways off, especially when I read the story in the Book Of Mormon. People pointing fingers, laughing at our ways, scoffing at how we dress or talk or the goals we have. Lately I have realized, that ole' big spacious building might not be so far away as we would like it to be. In fact some of those people in the building may be some that go to church but during the week they laugh at us, point their fingers or see nothing wrong in looking and talking like the world. The brethren have said that it is becoming harder and harder to tell the saints from the world because we are beginning to blend in a bit too much. When we go to the temple and they turn on the lights a little more towards the end, I think it is symbolic that we are asked to walk a higher path, one that sets us apart from the world. The world slides in so carefully. We don't even notice sometimes how quietly little things begin to change because we don't pay close attention or it becomes the "in" thing.
Each week at the sacrament table we promise to keep the commandments. Not conveniently, "but always remember Him and keep His commandments which He has given them." It talks about exactness in keeping the commandments, and I see in my own life, if I am not careful, I begin to think something is not as bad as it used to be, because of .....there really aren't any excuses. I think we have to be willing to be complete in our desire to do the right thing even if it is hard. I ask myself some questions often and when totally honest some of the answers aren't what they ought to be. Some of these questions are, What does my heart really desire--really deep down? What is most important to me? What am I willing to do to make sure those important things come to pass? Are the things most important in line with the teachings of the Savior? Is Christ and His teachings really first in my life? Do my children know by what they see, hear, and participate in that Christ is the center of our family? Is my house built upon the rock, or is the foundation starting to get sandy? I think of the scripture included in the Young Women's theme, I will stand as a witness at all times, and in all things, and in all places and as I review my day I wonder if I have done that. All of us can work on becoming exact in keeping the commandments, being complete and full of integrity to ourselves and to others.
Really, we want no empty chairs at our table, including ours. As I stated before we love you so very much and we recognize all the good you are doing. You are serving your families, in your wards and stakes, and your communities. You are doing so many good things. Maybe this little rendition is just for me. Love one another and stay true to the faith. We will always love you. Mom and Dad
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Friday, September 5, 2008
Dear family, Sept. 1, 2008
Another week come and gone. I hope you enjoyed my slightly longer letter last week. This week's will be short again seeing as we had to do some serious shopping. Good news is though, is that the cereal was on sale so we stocked up big time. You would have laughed to see us checking out at the grocery store. We also had to finish moving today. I'm not sure if I mentioned it but we are now living with a different family. I'm still adjusting to the change a little. We live kind of off in no man's land and our living quarters are small but they are very nice. Sometimes a little change is good to keep ya on your toes.
Well, the update on Wayne is a good one. He is continuing to read, pray, and come to church. We found a good fellowshipper for them and his wife finally joined us for a lesson and seems interested as well. The greatest part is that they have both recognized blessings in their lives because of the gospel. Wayne admits that he is considerably more happy and confident. It is really cool.
I must mention that the highs and lows of this week were, shall we say, very extreme. I think in order for me to continue to progress I needed to be humbled a bit. I have recognized over this past week that there are some major weaknesses that I need to overcome. I am doing my best to do better and to pray for help, but the hard thing is that there is never enough time to really evaluate and make plans as to how I can improve in the different areas. Time just goes so fast it's like I'm just trying to get by. I guess I just need to really make it a priority because now is probably the best time I'll ever have to work through many of my imperfections.
As a companionship Elder Williams and I are really trying to work on applying things we learn and study about. That is always the hard part, applying it. It has been fun to see us grow.
The ward here is trying to get the members more involved in the missionary efforts. President Jensen gave us some direction from Elder Perry on how that should work, so we are trying to make it happen here. But it is tough. Members are so busy and are so scared to share the gospel. It is kind of frustrating being only 19 because I want to make so much happen but I have to be careful not to overstep any bounds.
Well family, life is good. Challenges and trials push us towards becoming who God wants us to be and for that I'm grateful. Stay safe and be happy.
Love, Elder Pitt
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Another week come and gone. I hope you enjoyed my slightly longer letter last week. This week's will be short again seeing as we had to do some serious shopping. Good news is though, is that the cereal was on sale so we stocked up big time. You would have laughed to see us checking out at the grocery store. We also had to finish moving today. I'm not sure if I mentioned it but we are now living with a different family. I'm still adjusting to the change a little. We live kind of off in no man's land and our living quarters are small but they are very nice. Sometimes a little change is good to keep ya on your toes.
Well, the update on Wayne is a good one. He is continuing to read, pray, and come to church. We found a good fellowshipper for them and his wife finally joined us for a lesson and seems interested as well. The greatest part is that they have both recognized blessings in their lives because of the gospel. Wayne admits that he is considerably more happy and confident. It is really cool.
I must mention that the highs and lows of this week were, shall we say, very extreme. I think in order for me to continue to progress I needed to be humbled a bit. I have recognized over this past week that there are some major weaknesses that I need to overcome. I am doing my best to do better and to pray for help, but the hard thing is that there is never enough time to really evaluate and make plans as to how I can improve in the different areas. Time just goes so fast it's like I'm just trying to get by. I guess I just need to really make it a priority because now is probably the best time I'll ever have to work through many of my imperfections.
As a companionship Elder Williams and I are really trying to work on applying things we learn and study about. That is always the hard part, applying it. It has been fun to see us grow.
The ward here is trying to get the members more involved in the missionary efforts. President Jensen gave us some direction from Elder Perry on how that should work, so we are trying to make it happen here. But it is tough. Members are so busy and are so scared to share the gospel. It is kind of frustrating being only 19 because I want to make so much happen but I have to be careful not to overstep any bounds.
Well family, life is good. Challenges and trials push us towards becoming who God wants us to be and for that I'm grateful. Stay safe and be happy.
Love, Elder Pitt
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Friday, August 29, 2008
Jordan
Dear family,
What did I tell you, this past week flew by. It truly amazes me how fast the weeks go. Well, transfer calls were last night and both Elder Williams and I are safe. We'll continue serving together here in So. Royalton for at least another 6 weeks. We are excited about it. We are however changing houses. We will be living with the former Bishop and his wife now. So that will be a bit of a change. We are working on coming up with some new goals and plans for this new transfer.
Mom I think I'm pretty much fine as far as clothes go. Although, new ties will never be turned down. As far as things for my birthday, you could probably just save all the money and put it towards the purchase of a laptop when I get home or something cool like that.
So I will start with the update on Wayne. He is so amazing. He is reading from the Book of Mormon most every night as well as praying and he's come to church 3 times now. He has the best most sincere questions and he agrees with everything we teach. He basically knows most of the gospel, but just doesn't know that he knows it. He fed us dinner this past week and we met his wife. She is really nice but isn't too interested yet. She is Catholic and she works on Sundays. Wayne will have some Word of Wisdom issues to overcome, but we are confident in the converting power of the gospel. He is a joy to teach. We just need to be able to teach him more often.
Oh, mom, I just thought of something. It would be nice to have some thank you cards to give people. I think you can buy like cheap ones in packs of 25. I can't find any out here but if you could maybe send some sometime, that would be great.
Alright, back to the update. We had a really good week. We found 10 people who said we could come back. We are hopeful that a few will work out. We'd love to be able to teach more than just one person. But we are still grateful that we even have one.
We are working on trying to be more united in our teaching Elder Williams is a little quiet so we are trying to find ways so that we are always both talking whether it be on doorsteps or in lessons.
This week there was a neat experience. A woman in the ward passed away due to cancer leaving behind a husband and 6 young kids. (That is not the neat part.) What was neat was the way the family handled it. They have been so strong and amazingly at peace. They have a real testimony of the plan of salvation and it shows. The husband is really into missionary work and so the whole funeral was centered around that. All the talks were basically letting people know what we believe and how that can bring peace. There was a dinner after so all the nonmembers could mingle with the members. It was really neat that this man, Bro. Dunkle, truly sees the importance of missionary work. Enough so that he would be willing to use his wife's funeral as a way to teach others the gospel. He is an amazing man. I do feel bad for their family though.
Exciting news, Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander of the seventy is coming to the mission in a few weeks. He will be speaking at our Zone conference. The weath has finally gotten better. It reained for about two months straight but we've been dry for a few days now so that has been nice.
Alright, I think I'll end on a spiritual note. I gave a talk in District meeting on the doctrine of testimony so I will share a few highlights. Just like our faith, our testimonies must always be centered on Jesus Christ in relation to the judgment. We must gain a testimony of Christ and stay true to it. Christ who was our perfect example also had to gain a testimony of himself. In Jesus the Christ, it talks about how Christ had to gain a knowledge of His divine role and who He really was. He had to stay close to the spirit and pray often to gain this testimony. Satan's temptations were also temptations for Christ to doubt or deny that testimony he had received. Satan, likewise, wants to get us to doubt our testimonies of Christ because they are so important. I believe that our testimony of other things is only as strong as our testimony of the Savior and His role in our lives. We must continually cultivate and strengthen that testimony throughout our lives.
I want all of you to know that I know that Jesus Christ truly is the Savior and Redeemer. He loved us all enough to make an atonement for us so that we can be with God and our families forever. I know that Christ is the Son of God and the only way back to Heavenly Father. I'm grateful for His perfect example.
Well, family, I sincerely love you all. I hope that things go well as you all transition back into the school year. I am well and happy and wish the same for all of you. Love, Elder Pitt
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What did I tell you, this past week flew by. It truly amazes me how fast the weeks go. Well, transfer calls were last night and both Elder Williams and I are safe. We'll continue serving together here in So. Royalton for at least another 6 weeks. We are excited about it. We are however changing houses. We will be living with the former Bishop and his wife now. So that will be a bit of a change. We are working on coming up with some new goals and plans for this new transfer.
Mom I think I'm pretty much fine as far as clothes go. Although, new ties will never be turned down. As far as things for my birthday, you could probably just save all the money and put it towards the purchase of a laptop when I get home or something cool like that.
So I will start with the update on Wayne. He is so amazing. He is reading from the Book of Mormon most every night as well as praying and he's come to church 3 times now. He has the best most sincere questions and he agrees with everything we teach. He basically knows most of the gospel, but just doesn't know that he knows it. He fed us dinner this past week and we met his wife. She is really nice but isn't too interested yet. She is Catholic and she works on Sundays. Wayne will have some Word of Wisdom issues to overcome, but we are confident in the converting power of the gospel. He is a joy to teach. We just need to be able to teach him more often.
Oh, mom, I just thought of something. It would be nice to have some thank you cards to give people. I think you can buy like cheap ones in packs of 25. I can't find any out here but if you could maybe send some sometime, that would be great.
Alright, back to the update. We had a really good week. We found 10 people who said we could come back. We are hopeful that a few will work out. We'd love to be able to teach more than just one person. But we are still grateful that we even have one.
We are working on trying to be more united in our teaching Elder Williams is a little quiet so we are trying to find ways so that we are always both talking whether it be on doorsteps or in lessons.
This week there was a neat experience. A woman in the ward passed away due to cancer leaving behind a husband and 6 young kids. (That is not the neat part.) What was neat was the way the family handled it. They have been so strong and amazingly at peace. They have a real testimony of the plan of salvation and it shows. The husband is really into missionary work and so the whole funeral was centered around that. All the talks were basically letting people know what we believe and how that can bring peace. There was a dinner after so all the nonmembers could mingle with the members. It was really neat that this man, Bro. Dunkle, truly sees the importance of missionary work. Enough so that he would be willing to use his wife's funeral as a way to teach others the gospel. He is an amazing man. I do feel bad for their family though.
Exciting news, Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander of the seventy is coming to the mission in a few weeks. He will be speaking at our Zone conference. The weath has finally gotten better. It reained for about two months straight but we've been dry for a few days now so that has been nice.
Alright, I think I'll end on a spiritual note. I gave a talk in District meeting on the doctrine of testimony so I will share a few highlights. Just like our faith, our testimonies must always be centered on Jesus Christ in relation to the judgment. We must gain a testimony of Christ and stay true to it. Christ who was our perfect example also had to gain a testimony of himself. In Jesus the Christ, it talks about how Christ had to gain a knowledge of His divine role and who He really was. He had to stay close to the spirit and pray often to gain this testimony. Satan's temptations were also temptations for Christ to doubt or deny that testimony he had received. Satan, likewise, wants to get us to doubt our testimonies of Christ because they are so important. I believe that our testimony of other things is only as strong as our testimony of the Savior and His role in our lives. We must continually cultivate and strengthen that testimony throughout our lives.
I want all of you to know that I know that Jesus Christ truly is the Savior and Redeemer. He loved us all enough to make an atonement for us so that we can be with God and our families forever. I know that Christ is the Son of God and the only way back to Heavenly Father. I'm grateful for His perfect example.
Well, family, I sincerely love you all. I hope that things go well as you all transition back into the school year. I am well and happy and wish the same for all of you. Love, Elder Pitt
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Sunday, August 24, 2008
Bear Lake
We just wanted to thank mom and dad for all the work they put into letting us go up to Bear Lake again this year. We had so much fun, despite the few who were sick, the rest of us had a blast, here are some pictures we had, that are fun to see. We loved spending time with all
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